Hiking in Newfoundland and Labrador - Hiking in Western Newfoundland -
Western Newfoundland Hikes

Recommended hiking trails in Newfoundland. The province
has some of world's best hiking along spectacular shorelines or in
challenging mountains. If you have trail suggestions that should be added -
let me know.

All images on this web site have copyright protection For videos of the International Appalachian Trail in Newfoundland click
trails

This hike is a hidden gem and leads to a lighthouse, past meadows and along
a scenic coast line. You can pick up a map of the trail at the Cow Head
museum first and then proceed on your own or if you want a guided tour on
Tuesdays you can contact the museum to arrange this. The basic hike is a
loop with some side trails--the longest is 500 meters to the end of the
peninsula and is well worth doing since to ends in a large meadow and has a
fascinating wave washed shore to explore. Their are also several lookouts on
the trail. Drive to the Cow Head Peninsula and then watch for signs for the
Amphitheatre parking lot to start your hike.

Hiking in the Bay of Islands-Little Port Head

This is one of the more spectacular hikes in the Bay of Islands near Corner
Brook, Newfoundland. Drive to Little Port at the end of the south shore highway and park
in the lot near the wharf. Walk up over the marine terrace toward the large
bluff and you will pick up a trail through the woods which leads to a
helicopter pad and the remains of an old lighthouse. Then follow the rough
trail up and over the ridge (using the ropes in places) and then you descend
back down the ridge coming out on the Cedar Cove trail. If you want an extra
walk take the time to walk to Cedar Cove or turn left and return to the car
park. The total distance is not long (5-6 km) but the steep terrain will
slow you down. Bring your camera. Click
PHOTOS for more
images of this spectacular area.

Hiking the Southhead Lighthouse Trail

This is another fine trail that the Outer Bay of Islands Enhancement
Committee (OBIEC) has just created. It is accessed by the Bottle Cove
parking lot and provides fine vistas of not only the rugged shoreline of
Little Port head and Bottle Cove but also the scenic islands of the Outer
Bay of Islands. The trail is about 3.5 km one way and climbs steeply in one
section. There is a waterfall along a side trail that is worth a look
especially after a heavy rain. The trail is well marked and ends at an
overview of Weebol and the other islands that mark the entrance to the Bay
of Islands.

Viking Hiking at L'anse aux Meadows

There are short 2 trails that include parts of the Parks Canada Viking Site
and nearby Norstead which is meant to depict a Viking Port of Trade. The
Birchy Nuddick trail starts off the parking lot at L'anse aux Meadows
National Historic Site and is just over 2 km long. Nearby is Lacey's Trail
which climbs to a small hill that has a prominent lookout giving a panoramic
view in all directions. From there you can descend to the sod houses of
Norstead. The trail is 1.7 km to the lookout and it is an easy walk
0.8 km to Norstead Village from there. If you walk the route in this manner
you will need to have 2 cars or walk back to the start of Lacey's trail.
Click Lacey's for
more pics and info.

Hiking the Shoreline near Port au Choix

This hike traverses from Philips Garden (which is an important paleoeskimo
archeological site) to the Pt Riche Lighthouse. The trail is about 4 km long
and follows the scenic shoreline for much of route. The hike can be walked
in either direction but you will have 2 cars and do a car shuttle or be
prepared to walk back along the same trail. There are several interpretative
plaques along the trail which discuss various aspects of some the lifestyle
of some of the native peoples that lived along this coast. Click
Pt Riche
for more images and information about this trail.

Hiking in Gros Morne Park- Lookout Hills Trail

This is a fine trail for a wide range of ages and stages since it is just 5
km return. It gives great views of the Tablelands, Bonne Bay and Gros Morne
mountain. The trail climbs steadily through the trees and then part way up
breaks into the open. There are boardwalks across wet areas and numerous
pitcher plants in places. The trail starts at the Discovery Centre parking
lot which is located just outside of the community of Woody Point on the
south side of the park. At the top there is a lookout platform with some
benches to relax and enjoy the view. Click
Lookout for more images.

Hiking the Bottle Cove Trails near Corner Brook

This area has some of the finest coastal scenery in the province. Recently
the OBIEC has created a series of well marked and sign posted trails that
leave from the parking lot located overlooking Bottle Cove. Bottle Cove is
located near the end Highway 450 which winds along the south shore of the
Bay of Islands. Allow about 50 minutes of driving from Corner Brook. These
trails are all short so are suited to the entire family. And if you are
there at sunset be sure to hike to 'sunset rock' to take in the view. Also
if you are there on a sunny warm day you can dip into the cool water of
Bottle Cove from a long sandy beach. Click
Bottle Cove for more
pictures.

Hiking to Cedar Cove near Corner Brook

As I mentioned earlier there are spectacular hikes near Corner Brook in the
Bay of Islands in Western Newfoundland. The Cedar Cove trail is a short one
(1.8 km) that will appeal to a wide range of hikers. It is short and fairly level and
ends at Cedar Cove (also known as Wild and Caplin Cove). The large raised
terrace makes for fine lunch spot with views looking out into the Gulf of
St. Lawrence. We often make a fire on the beach since the piles of drift
wood are astounding. You can also connect to the Little Port Head trail if
you want a longer hike. To reach the trailhead drive to Little Port (end of
the South Shore Highway) and look for the large signs at the end of the
parking lot.

Hiking the Man in the Mountain Trail, Corner Brook, NL

This is probably the most popular of the trails that have been developed by
the International Appalachian Trail in Newfoundland (IATNL). Its highlights
include fabulous views of the Humber River and Humber Canyon. It is just
over 3.5 km to the famous lookout and just under 9 km to Wild Cove Pond. You
can do this trail as a traverse (and end at Wild Cove Pond) or hike to the
lookout and back. The starting place is at at parking lot near Ballam
Bridge-turn right after the bridge and follow the road until you see the
large IATNL sign. Coordinates are
48
57.203 N and 57 53.119 W this trail head. Click
Face for more images.

Hiking from Humber Valley Resort to Humber Village, NL

This is the third section of hikes created by the International Appalachian
Trail in Newfoundland (IATNL) in the Humber Valley. This section is abit
rougher and the trail is harder to find in some places so you are advised to
get a route map and possibly GPS track from the IATNL before you head out.
They can be contacted at www.iatnl.ca. I
suggest you hike from Humber Valley Resort since you will have more downhill
and less climbing. There are several fine view points of Deer Lake and the
surrounding forest and ponds along the way. Closer to Humber Village you
will get views of Marble Mountain and the river. Click
Resort for more
images.

Copper Mine Cape, York Harbour, Newfoundland

This new trail is a standout. It ascends 650 meters to the top of Blow me
down Mountain which is uniquely positioned to offer superb views of much of
the Bay of Islands. It has been created as part of the new Appalachian Trail
in Newfoundland and the people from the surrounding communities should be
congratulated creating the trail and large parking lot at the base. I think
this 7.5 long trail is perhaps one of the finest on the island given the
vistas it offers of headlands, bays, islands and mountains. The trail winds
through the woods before gradually climbing above treeline. My only caution
would be-Blow me down has this name for a reason. Expect strong winds in
this area in all seasons. See the adjacent video for more information on
this hike. Click
Copper for more pictures.

Hiking the Green Garden Trail in Gros Morne National Park

This is one of the classic hikes in Gros Morne Park and has lots of options
depending on your interest. If you want to enjoy a beach walk and
spectacular coastal scenery then you can walk the 4 km to the beach from the
parking lot on the Trout River Road (49 28.434 N and 58 04.628 W). On our
last hike we walked along the "Green Garden" which is an elevated marine
terrace which parallels the scenic shoreline. We walked for about 2 km along
this route before having lunch on the shore and then we returned via the
route we had descended. You can also complete the full loop which involves
crossing Wallace Brook and then returning to the parking lot. This full
route is about 15-16 km. For more images click
Garden.

Hiking the Wild Cove Pond to Humber Village Trail, Humber Valley, NL

This is another part of the International Appalachian Trail in Newfoundland
and can be done on its on or part of larger section through the Humber
Valley. Most people do this as a day hike and since it is just over 5 km
long it is walked by a large x-section of people. The Wild Cove trailhead is
at is 48 58.262 N and 57 49.897 W. If you decide to hike the trail in
reverse the trail head is 48 59.262 N and 57 47.001 W at Humber Village.
Either way you get great views of the Humber Valley and this hike is
particularly attractive in the Fall when the leaves are changing. Click
Wild
Cove for more pictures of this trail.

Hiking Wood's Island, Bay of Islands, Newfoundland

We recently did this combination hike-cruise with Crystal Waters Boat Tours.
The trip overall was about 6-6.5 hours and included a boat tour from the Bay
of Islands Yacht Club to the east end of Wood's Island. From there we off
loaded to a dory to get to shore and then we walked along one of the old
roads on the western side of the island to the harbour where the tour boat
was waiting for us. At one point hundreds of people lived on Wood's Island
but it was resettled in the 1960's. Today many people have summer homes on
the island and it offers fine views of the Blow me down Mountains. The hike
is about 5.5 km long and is suitable for all ages. Click
Woods for more
pictures.

Hiking from Stephenville Crossing to Noels Pond

This hike offers fine views of Stephenville Crossing and Stephenville as
well as Bay St George. The route passes over the Indian Head Range but is
quite in places so wear rubber boots or waterproof hiking boots. The hike is
about 6.5 km long and takes about 2-2.5 hours. When we recently hiked in
September the bogs were bright red and we even saw 2 moose. This is part of
the International Appalachian Trail and will require a car shuttle. Of
course you can also hike in part way to get a good view and then return back
to your car. If you decide to do this I recommend starting from Noels Pond
since the trail is abit drier and the views are outstanding. Click
Noels Pond for more
information.

Gros Morne Nat'l Park -Trout River Pond Trail

This is a great trail for its views of Upper and Lower Trout River Pond. It
is located in the southern part of the park in Western Newfoundland. If you
want to get a taste of the unusual Tablelands and overlook these fjord like
ponds at the same time then this is the hike for you. It is 7 km 1 way but
only rises to about 75 meters at the far end where this for was taken. We
recently did this hike with the Corner Brook Hiking Club (early July and
were treated to numerous flowers in bloom. At times you can see moose and
caribou. Click TROUT
for more images of this interesting area.

Gros Morne National Park-Gros Morne Mountain

The hike up Gros Morne Mountain is a classic in Western Newfoundland. It
offers just about everything from great views of 10 Mile Pond and the
surrounding wilderness to possible wildlife sitings. This trip is tough
though-don't underestimate it. On our last trip in the early September we
had to don toques and gloves on top to stay warm. Fog can form quickly so
stay on the trail to avoid getting lost. The trail is 15 or so kilometers
long and rises to just over 800 meters. The trail is a partial loop Take
lots of warm and bring a camera. Click
GROS for more images
of this scenic hike.

Starlight Lodge Trail

This trail gives fine views of the Codroy Valley with its varied landscape
of mixed agricultural land. The Starlight Lodge is no longer there so look
for the gazebo that marks the start of the trail. The trail is just 2 km one
way but climbs steadily so is suited to the average hiker who wants a quick
workout that is rewarded with increasingly better views as you gain
elevation. The trail after the 2 km mark is faint but very inviting so for
those interested you could make this hike much longer. However anyone going
beyond should be equipped with a map, compass and GPS for further exploring.
Click Codroy for further images
and information

Hiking the Gravels-

The Gravels near Stephenville, Newfoundland are a great find whether on foot or by sea
kayak. A new hiking trail traverses for several kilometers over limestone
cliffs with views of the Lewis Hills in the distance and crystal clear water
in the foreground. The limestone has been eroded into numerous hoodoo like
shapes and in many places fossils are readily seen in the bedrock. There are
many places where you can get right down to the waters edge and have a snack
or lunch. Also many benches have been constructed so that you can simply
relax and enjoy the view. Click
HIKING

Hiking the Cliffs at Cape St. George

The cliffs at Cape St George on the Port au Port Peninsula in Western
Newfoundland are some of the most scenic in Western Newfoundland. There are
some interpretative panels at the parking lot which describe some of the
bird life and whales that you can see from this vantage point. The "trail"
winds up the slope to a bench which makes a convenient resting point to take
in the impressive view. Take care along the cliff edge since the rock may be
crumbly in many places. Bring your camera and binoculars. Also be sure to
look north from the bench to see distant Red Island and more impressive sea
cliffs.

.

Hiking the Boney Shore Trail, Red Bay, Labrador

There are few trails in Atlantic Canada with the history of this
part of Labrador. Although the Boney Shore trail is just a kilometer long (1
way) it covers the same ground that Basque whalers used 450 years ago. The
Basques came to Southern Labrador in the mid-1500’s to hunt Bowhead whales
whose oil was used to “light the streets of Europe”. And Red Bay was the
important centre of this oil boom. The trail is suitable for walkers of all
ages since it is mostly flat and well constructed. It starts out in a
stunted fir and larch forest and closer to the cobble beach keep your eyes
out for whitish grey whale bones which date back to the 16th
century Basque whaling days. There are not many bones left so please do not
remove any pieces that you find. Click
Red Bay to see more images.